GrenadaWork
Grenada work permit: requirements and process
Work permit (Ministry of Labour)
In short
Foreigners need a work permit from Grenada's Ministry of Labour, and it must be applied for and approved before the employee comes into the country. The Ministry's guidelines put processing at about two to three weeks, grant permits only for skills not available or in short supply in Grenada, and require the job to be advertised locally first.
checked 24 October 2026
Key facts
- Processing time
- About two to three weeks; the Ministry notifies applicants if it will take longer. The permit is collected 2 to 5 days after the payment receipt is returned.
- Work
- Yes, for the approved job. Holders of visitor visas may not work unless authorised by the Ministry of Labour.
- Where to apply
- Through the employer, to the Minister for Labour via the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Ministerial Complex, Botanical Gardens, Tanteen, St George's; before the worker arrives.
When a permit is granted
The Ministry of Labour's guidelines state that work permits are given only for skills that are not available or are in short supply in Grenada, and that the position should be advertised locally before an application is made, with evidence of the advertisement. Permits are not granted to people who are in Grenada illegally unless their status is regularised. People who qualify for an exemption under the relevant agreements must provide proof to benefit from it.
Documents for a new application
All questions on the form must be answered and the form signed and dated, in quadruplicate, with the employer's stamp. Attach an original police record from the country of citizenship and from the last country where the applicant lived for more than six months, certificates of qualification, a letter from the employer addressed to the Minister for Labour through the Permanent Secretary, a character reference, four passport photos (2 x 2.5) with the name on the back, and a copy of the passport data page showing the last arrival or extension in Grenada.
The employer adds a copy of the business registration certificate and recent tax, VAT and National Insurance Scheme receipts. Medical practitioners also submit their registration certificate from the Ministry of Health.
Required documents
Identity
- Original police record from the country of citizenship and last country of residence over six months
- Four passport photos (2 x 2.5) with the name written on the back
Work
- Work permit application forms in quadruplicate, signed, dated and stamped by the employer
- Certificates of qualification
- Employer's letter to the Minister for Labour through the Permanent Secretary
- Employer's business registration certificate, recent tax, VAT and NIS receipts
- Evidence that the vacancy was advertised locally
Other
- Character reference from a previous employer or a reputable person
From approval to endorsement
Applications of concern are sent to the Immigration Department for verification; after clearance the Minister may approve or deny. Successful applicants are notified, collect a voucher at the Ministry of Labour and must pay the fee within 48 hours or report any problem before the deadline. The Treasury receipt goes back to the Ministry, the permit is ready 2 to 5 days later and is signed for in person, and the holder then takes the passport to the Immigration Department for endorsement.
- The employer advertises the vacancy locally and keeps evidence.
- Complete the forms in quadruplicate and gather the police records, qualifications and employer documents.
- Submit the file to the Ministry of Labour before the worker travels to Grenada.
- On approval, collect the voucher and pay the fee at the Treasury within 48 hours.
- Return the Treasury receipt, collect and sign for the permit 2 to 5 days later.
- Take the permit and passport to the Immigration Department for endorsement.
Forms
- Ministry of Labour — Guidelines for the completion of work permit application(s), July 2013 · Published by the Embassy of Grenada in Washington; confirm current fees and forms with the Ministry of Labour.
Renewals
A renewal needs the application forms in quadruplicate, the previous work permit, a cover letter from the employer, the employer's stamp, four passport photos, the passport data page with the last arrival or extension, and recent tax, VAT and NIS receipts. Working without a valid permit makes the person subject to the immigration regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter as a visitor and then get a work permit?
The Ministry's guidelines say work permits must be applied for and approved before the prospective employee comes into the country, and that permits are not granted to people illegally in Grenada.
How long does a Grenada work permit take?
About two to three weeks according to the guidelines, plus up to 48 hours for payment and 2 to 5 days to collect the permit.
What is the fee?
The guidelines do not state an amount; the fee is shown on the voucher issued after approval and paid at the Treasury.
Official sources
- Grenada Ministry of Labour — Guidelines for the completion of work permit application(s), July 2013 (via Embassy of Grenada, Washington)
- Embassy of Grenada, Washington — Visa requirements prior to arrival (work restriction)
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Grenada
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Visitors are admitted for set periods (14, 30, 60 or 90 days or six months); staying longer requires a visa obtained in Grenada.
Residence
Online travel permits
- Visa on arrival Maximum stay: Set on arrival by the immigration officer; visitors are admitted for set periods and must obtain permission in Grenada to stay longer.